Project Description

The new computer$-$controlled conveyor belt is an exciting project that moves and positions

items on the conveyor belt within $<1$ millimeter. The project will produce a new system for future installations, and for replacement of those in the field, at a low cost. The computer$-$controlled conveyor belt has the potential to be a critical unit in $30$ percent of the systems installed in factories. The new system is also easier to update with future technologies.

The Project Priority Matrix for the Conveyor Belt Project Part $2$

Use your file from Part $1$ and the information provided below to complete this exercise. $($See

Table A$2\mathrm{.}10.)$

$1.$ Each work package will represent an activity.

$2.$ The project begins January $4,2010.$

$3.$ The following holidays are observed: January $1,$ Memorial Day $($last Monday in May$),$

July $4$th$,$ Labor Day $($first Monday in September$),$ Thanksgiving Day $(4$th Thursday in November$),$ December $25$ and $26.$

$4.$ If a holiday falls on a Saturday then Friday will be given as an extra day off, and if it falls

on a Sunday, then Monday will be given as a day off.

$5.$ The project teams work eight$-$hour days, Monday through Friday.

Warning: Experience has taught students to frequently make separate backup files for each

exercise. The software is never as friendly as users expect!

Construct a network schedule for the conveyor belt project and prepare a memo that

addresses the following questions:

$1.$ When is the project estimated to be completed? How long will the project take?

$2.$ What is the critical path$($s$)$ for the project?

$3.$ Which activity has the greatest amount of slack?

$4.$ How sensitive is this network?

$5.$ Identify two sensible milestones and explain your choices.

$6.$ Compare the advantages$/$disadvantages of displaying the schedule as a network versus a

Gantt chart.

Include the following printouts:

A Gantt chart.

A network diagram highlighting the critical path.

A schedule table reporting ES$,$ LS$,$ EF$,$ LF$,$ and slack for each activity.

Hint: The project should be completed in $530$ days.

Remember: Save your file for future exercises!